Whiplash. My neck is thrashed. And what better place to do it South of Heaven style at Cheers in Northglenn Colorado. Three bands performed, thrashed and gave their all for this special night.

Delusionist photo: David Burke

Delusionist bassist John Burrows photo: David Burke

First up came Delusionist hailing from Denver, their brand of thrash and progressive metal got the arriving crowd in shape and ready to rock. Lead singer/guitarist Chris “Rock” McCaughan, guitarist Michael Perlovsky executed spot on harmonies and solos with just the right amount of crunch. While drummer Ryan Dahlenburg and bassist John Burrows laid down a solid progressive rhythm section that just sounded heavy on on point. Looking forward to hearing more form these guys.

Sandwiched in the middle of the line up came crowd favorite Fist Fight. Doing what they do every time they hit the stage, they hit the crowd hard. In fact we got pummeled. Fan favorite tracks like Snitch, Sleeper Cell and Break Something were well received from the awesome crowd. These guys are a well oiled machine and really show that they enjoy what their doing.

Fist Fight Guitarist Jon Maggard photo: David Burke

I enjoy seeing Fist Fight and their down tuned sound more every time I get to watch them perform. They all enjoy each other and the ravenous crowd that is equally part of the experience.

Fist Fight bassist Adrian Montoya

Fist Fight photo: David Burke

Fist Fight Drummer Chris Day photo: David Burke

Fist Fight Guitarist Nick Rich photo: David Burke

Fist Fight is planning on hitting the studio soon to record their next five song EP this spring.

Fist Fight guitarist Jon Maggard photo: David Burke

Closing the night came Slayer tribute band Hallowed Screams. They thrashed for over an hour of Slayer favorites Like South of Heaven, Reign In Blood and War Ensemble.

Hallowed Screams lead vocalist/Bassist Eloy Romero photo: David Burke

I tip my hat to these guys as performing these tracks is not an easy one as we all know Slayer's music is extremely aggressive and intense.

Hallowed Screams Guitarist Chris Bartsch photo: David Burke

These guys were definitely up to the task. Actually, they made it look easy. A very interactive group as they frequently walked into the crowd and shredded solos and riff with ease.

Hallowed Screams guitarist Steve Addison photo: David Burke

We got a special treat as audience member Benjamin Franklin came up and sang Seasons of the Abyss with his own special screaming take on this classic.